How to grow fennel
Traditionally grown apart from other crops. Its flowers are still excellent for beneficial insects.
Spacing1 per square foot
Plant outaround your last spring frost
Days to harvest60–90
FrostTakes light frost
HowSow directly in the garden
Family Herbs
Rotation and family
Fennel belongs to the herbs (Lamiaceae / Apiaceae). Small footprint; many attract pollinators and predatory insects.
It can fill gaps in any bed of your rotation.
When to plant fennel by zone
| Zone | Sow / plant out |
|---|---|
| 3 | May 20 – Jun 10 |
| 4 | May 12 – Jun 2 |
| 5 | Apr 30 – May 21 |
| 6 | Apr 20 – May 11 |
| 7 | Apr 8 – Apr 29 |
| 8 | Mar 26 – Apr 16 |
| 9 | Feb 22 – Mar 15 |
| 10 | Feb 1 – Feb 22 |
Based on typical frost dates for each zone; b half-zones run about a week earlier in spring. Zones 11–13 are frost-free in most years.
Fennel questions
When should I plant fennel?
Plant fennel outdoors around your last spring frost.
How far apart should I plant fennel?
About 12 inches apart, or 1 per square foot in a square foot garden.
What grows well with fennel?
Traditional companions include marigold. Keep it away from bush bean, cilantro, dill, eggplant, pepper, tomato.
How long does fennel take to grow?
Typically 60–90 days from sowing to first harvest, depending on variety and weather.